Hornby revealed he’s received multiple phone calls in the last week with concern the Bears were on the brink of collapse ahead of round one.

The Blayney boss says that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“We’re like 80 per cent of the Group at the moment, we’re struggling for reserve graders, but we’ll have four teams this year,” Hornby fired.

“We haven’t forfeited a game in four years and that’s not about to start now.

“We've got great numbers for first grade, heaps of under 18s and heaps of girls for league tag.”

The Bears kick-off 2017 this Sunday at King George Oval against Orange Hawks, with under 18s (11am), first division (12.10pm) and premier league (1.40pm) in action.

Most of Hornby’s focus is on helping first division coach Jake Mooney field a side for this weekend.

But Hornby says he’s been assured the Bears first division outfit will receive a timely influx of players at training on Wednesday night.

“We’re expecting six new players to be there at training, which is great,” Hornby said.

“We’re hoping a few guys that might not be getting a start elsewhere might see an opportunity here and come and have a crack.

“The gates at King George Oval are always open to new players.

“I feel sorry for Jake Mooney – coaching reserve grade sides in smaller towns like Blayney, Cowra, Lithgow and Oberon, it must be one of the toughest jobs in the world.”

After the Bears league tag side kicked off its season with a 22-4 loss at home against Hawks last Saturday, Hornby said he was looking forward to the men’s senior grades playing on Sunday.

“We’ll have all three sides this weekend and then when we play again, the girls will be on deck too,” he added.